Lisa De Vanna celebrates after scoring against United States. Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

The final result -- the first time Australia have shipped five goals since a 6-2 loss to the same team at the same venue seven years ago -- might have deflated the Matildas but at times, their football was breathtaking.

The contest in Colorado was an open and free-flowing match befitting of two of the world's best sides.

In a pulsating first half, the Matildas quickly found themselves on the back foot.

Led by emerging star Rose Lavelle and super forward Heath, United States were denied by sharp Matildas defending until a moment of inspiration from Morgan. The USA co-captain left Clare Polkinghorne on the turf and burned off Alanna Kennedy with a drop of the shoulder before notching her 100th international goal.

Australia responded on the half-hour mark with a lightning-fast counter, Foord releasing De Vanna, allowing the 34-year-old to take a touch and strike the equaliser.

Kerr almost put Australia ahead with a deflected strike but the USA pushed on, forcing Ellie Carpenter into a last-gasp goal-line clearance and Lydia Williams into a fingertip save.

United States players congratulate Alex Morgan on her 100th goal for her country. Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

While the Americans were on top leading into the break, the Matildas changed the contest within two minutes of the resumption. Kennedy surged from defence to play in Foord, who pirouetted before curling home a great individual effort.

The Matildas' exhilaration lasted all of six minutes. Heath put away a backpost header to level the scores before Rapinoe burned off Tameka Yallop, formerly Butt, to fire the USA ahead.

With Australia at sea, Pugh scored within 30 seconds of her introduction to give the USA a two-goal buffer.

Kerr's bullet header from Hayley Raso's superb cross gave Australia a glimmer of hope before Pugh chipped home in the final minute of the game to complete an end-to-end classic.

"The USA has a lot of quality, particularly in the front third in those transition moments out wide we didn't deal with it," he said. "That's why playing the best team in the world, away from home, there's going to be quite a few things we need to work on."